Play Dates

Every year, the Denver Center Theatre Companys New Play Summit receives hundreds of submissions from playwrights across the nation. Stephen Lavezza and Gabriella Cavallero, whove both done time with the DCTC, know that their Modern Muse Theatre doesnt have the same resources as that powerhouse of an arts organization. In fact, laments Lavezza, Modern Muse lacks both a permanent home and standing acting ensemble, and has no library staff to read and assess new works. So really, its just the two of them and a talented pool of friends producing this weekends The Play's the Thing New Play Festival, which is both brave and a bit balmy. But thats not going to stop them from presenting a mini-showcase of local talent that will not only offer staged readings of new works, workshops, panel discussions and parties, but ask the question, Why do this in the first place?

Weve been developing new work from the get-go, Lavezza explains. Its one reason we were crazy enough to start our own company. We want to provide a venue for people who live and work locally to get their work heard. To that end, Modern Muse will present three play readings  Conscience, by Judy GeBauer, Up at the Lab, by California playwright Gary Leon Hill, and Dylan Went Electric, by Josh Hartwell  at BINDERY | space, 770 22nd Street, beginning tonight at 7 p.m. The readings and a Friday-night panel that will discuss Why Is the Play the Thing? are free (donations will be accepted); Saturday workshops, which include Moving With the Muse and The Power of Story...Live!, are $20 in advance. Reservations are recommended; for more info, visit www.modernmusetheatre.com/Plays_the_Thing.html or call 303-780-7836.
June 25-27, 2009

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